Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and co-founder of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at age 45. Gilbert was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and had been performing again just months before his death. He had undergone emergency brain surgery and was using a motorized scooter to get around during his recovery.
New Found Glory was formed in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, according to wtap.com. The band announced Gilbert’s passing on social media on September 20th, noting he died peacefully in his sleep, according to a report from Rolling Stone. His bandmates described him as a legendary musician and also as someone who found great joy in being a husband and father, Billboard reported.
Gilbert died with his wife Lisa Cimorelli and his mother by his side. The family and band did not announce a specific cause of death.
They said his guitar playing, songwriting, and humor helped shape the band for nearly three decades. Gilbert had a long-standing relationship with Paramore singer Hayley Williams, whom he married from February 2016 to late 2017. He had also been open with fans about his health struggles, including a rare tumor on his adrenal gland that was discovered in December 2021.
The tumor had spread to his spine and lungs, and he later revealed a small spot on his back in August 2025. He had been performing with the band even after losing control of his left side due to brain tumors. In an interview in April, he spoke about his determination to keep fighting and grow stronger from the experience.
Doctors discovered three tumors in Gilbert’s brain after he began having trouble controlling the left side of his body. He underwent surgery to remove one tumor and later received radiation to treat the two remaining tumors.
Gilbert was undergoing immunotherapy treatments that doctors hoped could cross the blood-brain barrier and help keep the cancer out of his brain. He remained positive throughout his illness and said he had crying moments but tried to turn those moments into something positive. Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus shared that Gilbert fought his illness with the soul of a joyous, courageous warrior.
Hoppus said Gilbert never complained and always felt lucky for everything he had. Other members of the rock community also paid tribute to him, calling him a friend and legend. Yellowcard’s William Ryan Key and Bayside’s Anthony Raneri were among those who shared memories of their friendship with Gilbert.
Gilbert returned to the stage with New Found Glory in Nashville in June. He performed from a motorized scooter about four months after his emergency brain surgery. His wife and daughter Lily were there for the performance.
The band released its latest studio album, Listen Up!, in February 2026. Gilbert remained involved in writing and recording music during his cancer treatment.
The band’s message was signed by members Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki, and touring guitarist Dan O’Connor, along with Gilbert’s wife Lisa Cimorelli. New Found Glory has been active for nearly three decades and has released more than a dozen albums. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of pop-punk music and the band’s long-standing legacy.
IMAGE: New Found Glory Source Own work Author Evil Disco Guy CC3